In a thrilling finale to the Pakistan Super League, Australia's Aaron Hardie delivered a match-winning all-round performance to guide Peshawar Zalmi to their second PSL title, defeating Hyderabad Kingsmen by five wickets in Lahore.

Hardie, the 26-year-old Australian all-rounder, was the undisputed star of the show. He first dismantled the Kingsmen's batting lineup with figures of 4-27, restricting them to a modest 129 all out in 18 overs. Then, with the bat, he anchored a tense chase, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 39 balls to steer his team home with 28 balls to spare.

This victory marks a long-awaited return to glory for Peshawar, who last lifted the trophy in 2017. Since then, every other original franchise had tasted success, making this title particularly sweet for the Zalmi faithful. Having topped the group stage, they entered the final in dominant form, having already crushed Islamabad United in the qualifier.

The Kingsmen, playing in their debut season, started brightly after being put in to bat. They cruised to 71-2 shortly after the powerplay, thanks to a steady 54 from Saim Ayub. But their innings took a dramatic turn when Michael Bracewell ran out both Irfan Khan Niazi and Kusal Perera in quick succession, sparking a collapse of four wickets for just three runs. Hardie then cleaned up the tail, dismissing Ayub and Akif Javed in quick succession to end the innings.

Chasing 130, Peshawar's reply got off to a nightmare start. Seamer Mohammad Ali struck twice in the first over, removing opener Mohammad Haris for 6 and then trapping captain Babar Azam for a golden duck. When Kusal Mendis (9) and Bracewell (4) also fell cheaply, Zalmi were reeling at 40-4.

But from the brink of defeat, Hardie found a reliable partner in Abdul Samad. The duo put on a crucial 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket, slowly but surely turning the tide. Samad smashed 48 off 34 balls, and even when he fell with just five runs needed, the job was almost done. Pakistan Under-19 captain Farhan Yousuf finished the match in style, cracking a boundary to spark wild celebrations.

For fans and players alike, this was more than just a trophy—it was a statement. Peshawar Zalmi are back, and they have a new hero in Aaron Hardie.